Towns deputies bust organized theft ring

News
HIAWASSEE, Ga – Three individuals were arrested for theft and two on drug charges for stealing $5,000 worth of equipment in chainsaws and lawn care items.
After a ten-day investigation, law enforcement located and arrested three men for the thefts. At this time, the investigation is active and ongoing as they determine if other thefts are related. Deputies also found methamphetamine and drug-related objects on the scene. They believe the thefts and drugs are related.
Sheriff Ken Henderson praised the Investigators and Uniform Patrol Units calling the execution of the investigation a great job.
Larry Scott Johnson, 51, of Hiawassee was arrested on two counts of theft by receiving stolen property. Brandon Todd Odell, 32, of Hiawassee was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug-related objects, and two counts of theft by receiving stolen property. Jeremiah Allen Giddens, 35, of Blairsville was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug-related objects, and three counts of theft by receiving stolen property.
The sheriff’s office will return all stolen items to their rightful owners and asks anyone who believes they are a victim of these individuals to call 706-896-4444.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Four arrested in connection to Satuday drug raid

News

HIAWASSEE, Ga – Following multiple complaints about a high volume of traffic along West Union Church Road, Towns County deputies executed a raid of one of the residences.

Early on Saturday, April 24 deputies and investigators entered a home and allegedly uncovered methamphetamine, heroin, and controlled substances in the possession of three individuals.

The three two men and one woman were arrested and charged with the following:

Ryan Ian Rogers

  • -Drugs not in the original container (Gabapentin)
  • -Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
  • -Possession of methamphetamine
  • -Possession of heroin
  • -Possession of a controlled substance (Alprazolam)
  • -Drug-related objects

Anthony James Smith

  • -Drugs not in the original container (Gabapentin)
  • -Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
  • -Possession Of methamphetamine
  • -Possession of heroin
  • -Possession of a controlled substance (Alprazolam)
  • -Drug-related objects

Elizabeth Maria Logan

  • -Giving a false name
  • -Drugs not in the original container (Gabapentin)
  • -Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime
  • -Possession of methamphetamine
  • -Possession of heroin
  • -Possession of a controlled substance (Alprazolam)
  • -Drug-related objects

Kyle Mitchell Odom was wanted in connection with the raid, and he was arrested on Thursday, April 29.

Sheriff Henderson thanked the uniform patrol, criminal investigations for their hard work and commitment. He also expressed gratitude to the residents of West Union Church Road for their desire to “take their community back.”

Ryan Ian Roger

Anthony James Smith

drug raid

Elizabeth Maria Logan

Dozens arrested in Towns County on drug charges

News
Towns County drug arrests

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – In the past two months, the Towns County Sheriff’s Office has continued to pursue suspects on drug-related charges in the community, with more traffic stops and search warrants producing arrests.

On Saturday, Dec. 28, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on a Toyota Corolla on Fodder Creek Road in Hiawassee. The driver identified as Toni Jean Perry, 42, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Driving on Suspended Registration, 1 Count Failure to Maintain Lane.

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies searched a residence located on Bald Mountain Cove in Hiawassee. Investigators and deputies arrested Jeremy Jemlish, 33, of Hiawassee charging him with 1 Count of Drug-Related Objects, 1 Count Giving a False Name to a Law Enforcement Officer, and
additionally arrested on an active parole warrant.

On Saturday, Jan. 11, A Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on a Dodge Ram Pickup on State Highway 75 North in Hiawassee. Upon further investigation, Harvey Ellis May, 36, of Hayesville, North Carolina was arrested and charged with 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine.

On Monday, Jan. 13, Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located on Campbell Terrace in Young Harris. Upon the completion of the search and further investigation, the following suspects were arrested; Joshua Leon Brinson, 40, of Young Harris. He was charged with 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Trafficking in Methamphetamine, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and 1 Count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Elizabeth Ann Brinson, 62, of Young Harris. She was arrested and charged with 1
Count Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana, and 1 Count Drug Related Objects Autumn Dawn Martin, 24, of Hayesville, North Carolina. She was arrested and charged with 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine, and 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of a Schedule I Drug (Xanax).

Towns County grug arrests

On Wednesday, Jan. 15,  a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on State Highway 66 in Young Harris on a Ford Explorer. Upon further investigation, the driver Jack Hadley, 47, of Warne, North Carolina was arrested and charged with 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana, 1 Count Drug Related Objects, 1 Count Driving without License, and 1 Count Violation of Brake Light Requirement.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, Towns County deputies assisted a Georgia State Patrol trooper with a traffic stop on State Highway 76 in Young Harris involving a Dodge Caravan. Upon further investigation, deputies arrested Tiffany Snow, 27, of Pendergrass, Georgia and charged her with 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana. Nina Shelton, 27, of Braselton, Georgia was also arrested and charged with 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana, and 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of THC Oil.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on State Highway 76 in Young Harris on a Nissan Altima. Upon further investigation Jack Hadley, 47, of Warne, North Carolina was arrested and charged with 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana, and 1 Count Possession of Drug Related Objects.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on State Highway 288 in Hiawassee on a Ford F-150 pickup. A Georgia State Patrol Trooper assisted with the traffic stop. Upon further investigation Chad Patterson, 42, of Hayesville, North Carolina was arrested on 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana, and 1 Count Possession of Drug Related Objects.

On Monday, Jan. 27,  Towns County investigators and deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located on Martin Circle in Young Harris. Upon the completion of the search warrant Donald Richard Martin, 45, of Young Harris was arrested on 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine.
He was also arrested on 2 warrants for Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Sell of Methamphetamine, and 1 warrant for Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Sell of a Schedule I Drug (Ecstasy) These warrants were in reference to a recent undercover investigation.

On Tuesday, Feb. 4,  Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies searched a residence located in Ashland Cove, and upon the completion of the search arrested James Bailey, 37, of Young Harris on the following charges: 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine and 1 Count of Drug Related Objects. Bailey was also arrested on a warrant out of Florida for the sale and delivery of methamphetamine.

Towns County drug arrests

On Sunday, Feb. 9,  a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on State Highway 76 in Young Harris on a Buick Verano. Upon further investigation the following suspects were arrested:
Jordan Shane Bragg. 19. of Douglasville, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana
1 Count Speeding
Zion Jesse Moore, 19, of Dunwoody, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana
Joshua Amir Lalik Smith, 19, of Lawrenceville, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana
Harold Jordan Mac Blue, 19, of Duluth, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana

On Frida,y Feb. 14, a Towns County deputy conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 76 in Young Harris on a Honda Civic. Upon further investigation, the driver identified as Meredith Jane Reynolds, 19, of Hayesville, North Carolina was arrested on the following charges: 1 Count Drug Related Objects, and 1 Count Violation of Window Tint
Regulation. A Hiawassee Police Department officer assisted with the traffic stop.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies conducted a search of a residence located on Deer Run in Hiawassee. Upon the completion of the search and further investigation, the following suspects were arrested:

Jack Douglas Cothren, 49, of Hiawassee, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine
1 Count Drug Related Objects
Dena Robin Beasley, 49, of Hiawassee, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine
1 Count Drug Related Objects
Clifton Cothren, 67, of Hiawassee, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine
1 Count Drug Related Objects

On Friday, Feb. 21,  a Towns County investigator and deputy made a traffic stop on State Highway 66 in Young Harris on a Dodge Durango. Upon further investigation, officers arrested the driver, Donald Beck, 39, of Young Harris on the following charges: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony and 1 Count of Drug
Related Objects/

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, a Towns County deputy on patrol in the area of King Cove Road in Young Harris made contact with a subject walking. Upon further investigation, the subject, Johnathan Dills, 38, of Young Harris was arrested for 2 Counts of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Schedule II Drugs and 1
Count of Drug Related Objects.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26,  Towns County investigators and deputies searched a residence located off Mill Creek Road in Hiawassee. Upon the completion of the search the following suspects were arrested:
Corey Hensley, 42, of Murphy, North Carolina
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine
1 Count Drug Related Objects
1 Count Giving False Name to Law Enforcement
1 Probation Warrant
Sonia Taylor, 43, of Hiawassee, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine
1 Count Drug Related Objects

On Thursday, Feb. 27,  Towns County investigators and deputies, acting on information received from the Blairsville Police Department, searched a residence located off Lakeview Drive in Young Harris. Investigators located an indoor marijuana grow. Upon further investigation, law enforcement officers arrested the following suspects:
Katherine Bowman, 38, of Young Harris, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Manufacturing Marijuana
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana
1 Count of Drug Related Objects
Edward Carroll, 40, of Young Harris, Georgia
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Manufacturing Marijuana
1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana
1 Count Drug Related Objects

On Friday, Feb. 28,  Towns County investigators and deputies after receiving information from Clay County Sheriff’s Office arrested Zachary Hart, 22, of Warne, North Carolina at a residence located off Tay Walk Way in Hiawassee. Clay County deputies, along with Sheriff Deese, assisted with the arrest. Hart was wanted on warrants
out of Clay County North Carolina for Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession/Manufacturing/Sell/Distributing Methamphetamine, and Fleeing/Eluding Arrest. Hart was also wanted on an active probation out of Towns County.

The Towns County Sheriff’s Office extended appreciation toward the following departments for their help and assistance with the arrests of the suspects: Georgia State Patrol, Georgia State Probation, Hiawassee Police Department, Blairsville Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and Clay County North Carolina Sheriff’s Office.

The cases were forwarded to the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

16 arrested on drug charges in past month

News
Towns County drug arrests

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – During the past month, 16 suspects were arrested on drug charges in Towns County. “The Towns County Sheriff’s Office continues to make good on its promise to pursue the arrests of suspects on drug-related charges in the community, with more traffic stops and searches producing drug arrests in recent weeks,” Towns County Chief Deputy Terry Conner said.

On Friday, Nov. 15, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on a Pontiac Grand Prix on State Highway 76 in Young Harris. The driver identified as Rene Chavira Jr., age 26 of Murphy, North Carolina was arrested and charged with: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana, 1 Count Driving on Suspended License, 1 Count of Speeding.

On Saturday, Nov. 16, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on a Chevrolet pickup truck on State Highway 76 in Young Harris, Georgia. Upon further investigation, the passenger identified as Travis Mathew Reece, age 30 of Young Harris, was arrested on the following charges: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Possession of Drug Related Objects, 1 Count Giving False Name to Law Enforcement Officer. Travis Reece was also arrested on three active warrants out of Towns County for 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Possession of Drug-Related
Objects, 1 Count Possession of Dangerous Drugs. The active warrants were the result of a search warrant previously conducted at a residence located off Ford Road in Young Harris, Georgia.

On Sunday, Nov. 17, Towns County deputies responded to a traffic accident reported on State Highway 75 south in Hiawassee, Georgia. The driver of one of the vehicles involved, Kimberly Tracy Holcombe, age 42 of Dahlonega, Georgia was arrested and charged with the following: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Driving under the Influence, 1 Count Drug Related Objects.Towns County drug arrests

On Friday, Nov. 22, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on a Jeep Wrangler on State Highway 76 Young Harris. The driver identified as Sarah Victoria Williams age 19 of Social Circle, Georgia was arrested and charged with the following: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana, 1 Count Driving under the Influence, 1 Count Unlawful Use of Emergency Lights. The following passengers in the vehicle were arrested for the following charges: Kristen Nicole Grant age 19 of Buford, Georgia; 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana, 1 Count Underage Possession of Alcohol. Baylee Nicole Hendrick, age 20 of Shelby, North Carolina; 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana,1 Count of Underage Possession of Alcohol. William Andrew Grohovac, age 19 of Cumming, Georgia; 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana. Ivie Ellis Gatlin, age 19 of Suwannee, Georgia; 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana, 1 Count Underage Possession of Alcohol. Madison Joy Dupriest, age 18 of Hayesville, North Carolina; 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Marijuana, 1 Count of Underage Possession of Alcohol.

On Friday, Nov. 22, Towns County Deputies responded to a domestic incident in the parking lot of a business off State Highway 288 in Hiawassee. Upon further investigation of the incident, the following subjects were arrested: Tammy Bokstrom Lawler, age 47 of Murphy, North Carolina; 1-count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana, 1 Count of Drug Related Objects. Jason Joseph Williams, age 40 of Murphy, North Carolina; 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine.

On Monday, November 25, a Towns County Deputy made a traffic stop on State Highway 76 in Young Harris, Georgia on a Ford pickup. Upon further investigation, the following subjects were arrested: Brandon Tracy Davenport, age 31 of Blue Ridge, Georgia; 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of
Marijuana, 1 Count Possession Drug Related Objects, 1 Count Driving on a Suspended License, 1 Count Violation of Telephone Hands-Free Law. Taylor Ray Parrott, age 28 of Warne, North Carolina; 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Trafficking Methamphetamine, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana.

On Friday, Dec. 6, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on a Cadillac passenger car on Mill Creek Road in Hiawassee, Georgia. Upon further investigation, the driver identified as Nicole Hope Weaver, age 19 of Blairsville, Georgia was arrested and charged with: 1 Count Driving under the Influence (Drugs), 1 Count Failure to Maintain
Lane. A passenger in the vehicle David Allen Elliott, age 29 of Morganton, Georgia was also arrested and charged with; 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana.

On Friday, Dec. 13, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on a Jeep Cherokee on State Highway 76 in Hiawassee. Upon further investigation, the driver identified as Jason Eugene Cunningham age 38 of Blairsville, Georgia was arrested on the following charges: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession
Methamphetamine, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana, 1 Count Possession of Drug Related Objects, and 1 Count Violation of Headlight Requirements.

Chief Deputy Conner stated that the cases are still active, and will be forwarded to the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Five arrested as crackdown on drugs continues

News

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The Towns County Sheriff’s Office has continued to make good on their promise to pursue and arrest drug suspects within the jurisdiction. Traffic stops and a search warrant have produced drug arrests in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, a Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy initiated a traffic stop on State Highway 288 in Hiawassee that resulted in a drug arrest. The deputy conducted the traffic stop on a Ford F-150 in the area of Shallow Creek Road. Upon investigation into a passenger in the vehicle, Chad Patterson, 41, of Hayesville, North Carolina was arrested on the following charges: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count of Drug Related Objects, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
– Possession of Marijuana, 1 Count Open Container.

On Friday, Nov. 1, Towns County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 76 in Young Harris on a Pontiac Grand Am. Upon further investigation, the passenger in the vehicle – Michael Dakota Russell, 18, of Morganton, Georgia –  was arrested without incident, and charged with 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession of Marijuana.Towns County crime

On Saturday, Nov. 2  a Towns County Sheriff’s deputy issued a traffic stop in Young Harris on a Ford Mustang on State Highway 76. Upon further investigation, the deputy arrested the driver identified as Robert Lyn Byrd, 39, of Blairsville, Georgia without incident. Byrd was arrested and charged with the following: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession of Methamphetamine, 1 Count Possession of Drug Related Objects, 1 Count Vehicle Window Tint Violation, 1 Count Vehicle Tag Obstruction.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, a Towns County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 76 in Hiawassee, on a black BMW vehicle. The deputy upon further investigation into the traffic stop arrested the driver identified as Benjamin Jason Rayburn, 44, of Murphy, North Carolina. He was arrested without incident and charged with: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession of Heroin, 1 Count Possession of Drug Related Objects, 1 Count Driving on Suspended License, 1 Count Failure to Maintain Lane. 1 Count Impeding the Flow of Traffic.

On Thursday, Nov. 7,  Towns County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence located on Ford Circle in Young Harris. Upon completion of the search warrant, deputies arrested Chelsey Joy Brock, 25 of Hayesville, North Carolina without incident. Brook was arrested and charged with the following offenses: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act – Possession of Methamphetamine,  1 Count Possession of Drug Related Objects.

“The Towns County Sheriff’s Office will continue their strong pursuit of drug suspects in the Towns County community and additional arrests will be forthcoming,” Towns County’s Chief Deputy Terry Conner said.  “All the cases are still active and ongoing.”

The cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

See additional Towns County news

 

Seven charged as sheriff’s office continues to push drug arrests

News

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Investigators and deputies with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office continue their strong push to arrest drug suspects throughout the jurisdiction. During the past week, seven additional drug suspects were arrested as the result of searches and traffic stops.

On Sunday, Oct. 13, a Towns County deputy responded to a call at a residence located on Jim Watson Road in reference to a domestic dispute.

Upon arrival and further investigation, the deputy arrested Ira Brent Wilson, 46, of Hiawassee on the following charges: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of
Methamphetamine, and 1-Count of Possession of Drug Related Objects.

On Monday, Oct. 14, investigators and deputies searched a residence located on Deer Run Road in Hiawassee for a suspect wanted on an active Towns County warrant. Upon further investigation the following suspects were arrested:

Jack Douglas Cothren, 49 of Hiawassee, on the following charges: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine and 1-Count of Possession of Drug Related Objects.

Dena Robin Beasley, 48, of Hiawassee was charged with: 1-Count Possession of Drug
Related Objects.

On Monday, Oct. 14 , a Towns County deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Z-71 pickup truck on State Hwy 17 in Young Harris, Upon investigation, Frederic Debray, 62, of Blue Ridge, Georgia was arrested on the following
charges: 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine, 1-Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Marijuana, 1-Count Driving on Suspended License, 1-Count Failure to Maintain Lane.drug arrests

On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Towns County deputies arrested Cassie Cooper, 21, of Hiawassee on a drug court violation. Upon further investigation, Cooper was arrested for 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of a Dangerous Drug, and 1 Count of Crossing the Guard Line with a Dangerous Drug.

On Thursday, Oct. 17, a Towns County deputy conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 75 North on a Chevrolet Trailblazer for a traffic violation. Upon further investigation , Logan Reeves, 23, of Hayesville, North Carolina was arrested 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana and 1 Count Failure to
Maintain Lane.

On Friday, Oct. 18, Towns County deputies searched a residence located off Brenda Lane in Hiawassee for a suspect wanted on a probation warrant. Upon further investigation, Joseph Garrett, 23 of Hiawassee was arrested on: 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine, and 1 Count of Possession of Drug Related Objects. Garrett was additionally arrested on the outstanding probation warrant.

“The Towns County Sheriff’s Office will continue their strong effort to seek out the drug suspects within the Towns County area, and additional arrests will be forthcoming,” Chief Deputy Terry Conner stated.

The above cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Hiawassee Police Department updates recent drug arrests

City Police, News
Hiawassee police

Hiawassee, GA – As previously reported by FYN on Oct. 23, officers with the Hiawassee Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Oct. 20 for numerous equipment violations. During the traffic stop, officers searched the vehicle and located methamphetamine, cocaine, and other drugs and drug paraphernalia. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

Hiawassee Police Department

James Bailey

James Bailey was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Less than One Ounce of Marijuana, Possession, and Use of Drug Related Objects (x3), Failure to Maintain Brake Lights, and Defective Lighting Equipment. Rachel Goodwin was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Less than One Ounce of Marijuana, and Possession and Use of Drug Related Objects (x3).

Rachel Goodwin

 Rachel Goodwin

“It has been several years since we have seen cocaine in Hiawassee,” Chief Paul Smith stated Nov. 6. “Bailey and Goodwin also had other drugs in their possession that we were unable to identify with our field test kits. Those drugs have been submitted to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Crime Lab for testing and identification. Once the drugs are identified, additional charges may be brought against the two. As always, I am very proud of the hard work done by the officers of this department.”

According to law enforcement, the unidentified substance appeared to be “black tar” heroin.

Additionally, Hiawassee Police Department officers stopped Daniel Jones Oct. 27 for a moving violation. Upon searching the vehicle, officers located multiple bags of methamphetamine which were packaged for distribution. Jones was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession, and Use of Drug-Related Objects (x2), Possession of Less than One Ounce of Marijuana, Driving While License Suspended, and Improper Use of Central Turn Lane.

Hiawassee Police Department

Daniel Jones

Hiawassee Police Department serves within the city limits of Hiawassee.

The cases have been turned over to the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff’s Office continues crack down on drugs

News

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Investigators and deputies with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office continue their pursuit of drug suspects in the Towns County area. On Sunday evening, Sept. 15, Towns County deputies responded to a residence off Valley View Drive in Hiawassee in reference to a domestic incident. Upon further investigation, deputies arrested the following suspects:

Charles Marion Adams III, 61, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with:

  • 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Manufacturing Marijuana

Debra Adams, 60, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with:

  • 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Distribution of a Schedule IV Drug, Xanax.

Nathan Adams, 18, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with:

  • 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled
    Substance Act, Possession of Schedule IV Drug
    Xanax
  • 1 Count of Drugs Not in Original Container

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Towns County deputies arrested Joseph Larry Maney, 38,  of Cleveland, GA at a residence off Huey Lane in Hiawassee. Maney was charged with the following:

  • 1 Count Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act,Possession of Methamphetamine
  • 1 Count Drug Related Objects
  • 1 Count Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer

Maney was additionally wanted on a warrant out of Hall County for a probation violation.

On Wednesday Sept. 18, Towns County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence located off Scataway Road in Hiawassee. Upon the completion of the search warrant, deputies arrested the following suspects:

Brittany Wright, 32, was arrested and charged with:

  • 1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of a Schedule IV Drug Xanax
  • 1 Count Drugs Not Kept in Original Container
  • 1 Count Possession of Drug Related Objects

Jamison Chadwick Williams, 42, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with:

  • 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana
  • 7 Counts Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

Williams is additionally being held on a Jackson County probation warrant.

On Thursday, Sept. 19, Law enforcement officers obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence located off Sunnyside Road in Hiawassee. Information that was provided by a City of Hiawassee Police Officer assisted county deputies with obtaining the search warrant. The following suspects were arrested upon the completion of the
search warrant:

Bobby Croy, 46, of Hiawassee was arrested and charged with the following:

  • 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine
  • 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Schedule II Drugs
  • 1 Count of Drug Related Objects.

Ryan Croy, 26, of  Hiawassee was arrested and charged with the following:

  • 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine
  • 1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Schedule II Drugs
  • 1 Count Drug Related Objects

“The Towns County Sheriff’s Office will continue their strong effort to seek out the drug suspects within the Towns County area, and additional arrests will be forth coming,” Towns County Chief Deputy Terry Conner stated. “The above cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.”

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Hiawassee Police Department intercepts 116 grams of methamphetamine in recent weeks

City Police, News
Hiawassee Police Department

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two additional drug dealers were recently taken off the streets of Hiawassee. On June 30, Richard Deaton of Flowery Branch, GA was stopped by the Hiawassee Police Department for a vehicle equipment violation. A probable cause search of Deaton revealed 18 grams of methamphetamine and 4 grams of marijuana. Deaton was arrested and charged with: Turn Signal Requirements, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute.

Joseph Llorens

Joseph Llorens

On Sunday, July 28, Hiawassee Police Department stopped a vehicle for a violation of Georgia’s hands-free law. The driver was arrested for driving with a suspended driver’s license. An inventory of the vehicle revealed 98 grams of methamphetamine and 28 grams of marijuana. Joseph Llorens of Cleveland, GA was charged with: Driver to Exercise Due Care, Driving While License Suspended, Possession and Use of Drug Related Objects, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and Trafficking Methamphetamine.

Richard Deaton

Richard Deaton

“While it is unfortunate that people are bringing these drugs into our community, our officers are doing a fantastic job in detecting and arresting those who are responsible,” Chief Paul Smith stated. “Arresting the drug dealers is a very important step in combating the drug problem. I’m proud of the work we’re doing in Hiawassee.”

The discovery of 98 grams of methamphetamine is one of the largest drug seizures by the Hiawassee Police Department, Smith said.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Drug busts continue in Towns County

News
Towns County arrests
Towns County drugs

William and Bonnie Fitzgibbons

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators obtained and executed two search warrants on separate investigations within the Towns County area. The first search warrant was served at a residence located on Hillcrest Spur in Hiawassee on Wednesday, April 17.

Investigators had previously served a search warrant at the same residence on Dec. 11, 2018. Seizure paperwork was filed on the residence as a result of the 2018 investigation, and both William and Bonnie Fitzgibbons were arrested and charged with numerous drug offenses at the time, and later released on bond.

The subjects were arrested a second time, the result of the recent search warrant executed at their residence on April 17. The Fitzgibbons were each charged with the following offenses:

 

– One Count of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act

Distribution of a Schedule II Drug (Dilaudid)

– One Count of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act

Trafficking of a Schedule II Narcotic Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

– One Count of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act

Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (Dilaudid)

– One Count of Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act

Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Narcotic

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

Willis Dyer

Willis Dyer

Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators executed the second search warrant on Saturday, April 20 at a residence off of Mill Creek Road in Hiawassee. Investigators arrested Willis Dyer, 60, of Hiawassee on the following charges:

– One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act

Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute

– One Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act

Possession of Methamphetamine

– One Count of Drug Related Objects

Both cases are currently under active investigations, with additional arrests and charges possible. Towns County Sheriff’s Office stated that the cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hiawassee traffic stop leads to morphine, meth arrests

City Police, News
Hiawassee

Darla Conner

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Two females were arrested and charged with drug possession Tuesday, Sept. 17, following a traffic stop conducted on Bell Creek Road by Hiawassee Police Department.

Upon investigation, Darla Lin Conner, 36, and Shannon Marie Austin, 35, both of Blairsville, GA, were taken into custody after a vehicle search led to the discovery of  illicit substances. A male passenger was released without charges after officers determined that the subject was not in posssession of illegal items. According to the arresting officer’s report, the “faint odor of green marijuana” was detected in the vehicle, giving the officer probable cause to search

Darla Lin Conner was charged with the following: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a drug related object, and brake light requirements.

Hiawassee drug arrests

Shannon Austin

Shannon Marie Austin was charged with the following: Possession of methamphetamine, possession of a drug related object, possession of a controlled substance (morphine) and possession of a dangerous drug.

Several morphine pills were reported by law enforcement as found in a small box with Austin’s possessions. Morphine is a prescribed narcotic used medically to relieve acute or chronic moderate to severe pain.

The case will be forwarded to Enotah District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Austin and Conner are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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Towns County Sheriff’s Office continues drug arrests

News
methamphetamine

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies continue their strong push to arrest drug suspects throughout the Towns County area.

On Monday, Aug. 19, a Towns County deputy made a traffic stop on a Ford Taurus on State Highway 75 North in Hiawassee for a brake light violation. Upon further investigation, the following suspects were arrested without incident:

Arrests

Nathan Lemay, Tracy Shook

Nathan Allen Lemay, 47, of Hayesville, North Carolina was charged with the following: 1 Count Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine, and 1 Count Giving a False Name to a Law Enforcement Officer

Tracy Joy Shook, 49, of Hayesville, North Carolina, was charged with the following: 1 Count Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act Possession of Methamphetamine and 1 Count Brake Light Violation

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, a Towns County deputy responded to a disturbance call at a residence on Wahu Hu Drive in Hiawassee.  Upon further investigation into the reported incident, Laura Jean Carroll, 57, of Hiawassee was arrested without incident. Carroll was charged with the following: 1 Count Drug Related Objects and I Count Simple Battery (Family Violence).

Arrests

Laura Carroll, Ramona Montgomery

Towns County deputies arrested Ramona Lynn Montgomery, 50, of Hiawassee without incident on warrants for the following: Violation Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Related Objects.  

The warrants served were in connection to an incident which occurred on Aug. 6 between deputies and the suspect on Bell View Lane in Young Harris.

Towns County Sheriff’s Office says it will continue its strong effort to seek out drug suspects within the Towns County area. Additional arrests will be forthcoming.

The above cases will be forwarded to the Enota Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.     

   

Seven arrested as Towns County deputies continue quest for drug suspects

News

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies have continued to remain active this past week, arresting a total of seven suspects. “(Deputies) continue to uphold their pledge to seek out suspects involved in illegal drug activity within the county,” Towns County Chief Deputy Terry Conner said.

Three of the suspects arrested were the result of the obstruction of deputies attempting to arrest a drug suspect.

On Sunday, July 28, a Towns County deputy, assisted by a Hiawassee police officer, attempted to serve an arrest warrant in the parking lot of a local business, and upon further investigation arrested:

Blake Ledford, 34, of Hayesville, North Carolina was charged with the following:

1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of a Schedule II Drug.

1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Prescription pills not kept in the original container   

Towns County arrest

Blake Ledford

On Wednesday July 31,  Towns County deputies, with assistance from officers with The Georgia Department of Community Supervision, conducted a search of a residence located off Gumlog Road in the Young Harris area of the county, arresting four subjects. Towns County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies had an active arrest warrant for Peggy Mulkey, and the three additional suspects arrested at the time had obstructed and hindered law enforcement officers in their search for Mulkey. The suspects were taken into custody without incident. Mulkey was found hiding in a closet in the residence.   

The following suspects were arrested as a result of the search:

Peggy Ann Mulkey, 40, of Young Harris, Georgia was charged with:

1 Count of  Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act. Possession of Methamphetamine.

4 Counts of  Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Dangerous Drugs

1 Count of Drug Related Objects

1 Count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

Christina Canterbury, 45, of Young Harris, Georgia was arrested and charged with:

1 Count of  Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer

1 Count Drug Related Objects

Amanda Jo Wade, 40, of Young Harris, Georgia, was arrested and charged with:

1 Count of Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer

Allen Bell, 30, of Young Harris, Georgia, was arrested and charged with:

1 Count of Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer.

On Thursday August 1, a Towns County deputy conducted a traffic stop on State Highway 76/515 at Jack Dayton Circle on a white Chevrolet passenger car. As a result of the traffic stop and further investigation, Anthony Wayne Reagan, 24, believed to be from the Hayesville, North Carolina area, was arrested and charged with the following:

1 Count of Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession Ecstasys

1 Count Driving with no driver’s license

1 Count of Headlight Requirement

On Friday, August 2, a Towns County deputy  made a traffic stop on State Highway 76/515 near Ridgecrest Circle on a Ford Expedition.  As a result of the traffic stop and further investigation, the following subject was arrested:

Jacob Crawford, 26, of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Crawford was arrested without incident and charged with the following;

1 Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act, Possession of Marijuana

1 Count of Illegal Window Tint    

“The Towns County Sheriff’s Office will continue their strong effort to seek out the drug suspects within the Towns County Area, and additional arrests will be forthcoming,” Chief Deputy Conner stated.

The above cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution . All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.   

Towns County Sheriff’s Office deems “Operation Trial Run” a success

News
Operation Trial Run

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Sheriff’s Office conducted a drug operation dubbed “Operation Trial Run” consisting of a seven month drug investigation in which undercover agents, along with uniformed patrol officers, arrested suspects throughout the county on various drug and other related offenses. The operation was a seven month evaluation, beginning in May of 2018, running through January, 2019, with the department using an in-house drug agent to aid in the investigations.

Towns Sheriff’s Office reached out to District Attorney Jeff Langley and Union County Sheriff Mack Mason, along with Union’s Drug Unit Supervisor Chad Deyton and other drug agents, for initial assistance in casting the operation off to a productive start. The sheriff’s office stated that Deyton, along with the other agents, provided guidance and direction as to how the unit operated, additionally assisting with some of the early investigations.

DA Jeff Langley

Sheriff Chris Clinton with District Attorney Jeff Langley

During the seven month “Operation Trial Run” investigation, 37 suspects were arrested on over 150 drug and additional various charges. Numerous search warrants were acquired and executed throughout Towns County during the operation.  A total of more than $81,000 worth of illegal drugs were taken off the streets and from residences throughout the county.    

Operation Trial Run” resulted in the seizures of a residential home, vehicles, cash, and firearms valued at more than $322,000.  Once the seizures have been successfully completed and awarded back to the sheriff’s office, the funds can be used for law enforcement purposes to combat illegal activity within the county.     

According to Towns County Sheriff’s Office, “Operation Trial Run” proved to be “very successful.” The agency stated that it has and will continue to operate with an in-house drug agent, and additional suspects have since been arrested and more seizures made, with other arrests and seizures forthcoming in the near future.

“In combatting the drugs activity in our communities, our job is staying focused on getting the bad guy off the street at the end of the day, and not worrying about who gets the credit. This is what makes for truly successful investigations,” Towns County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Terry Connor said. “The Towns County Sheriff’s Office would like to express their sincere appreciation to all departments and law enforcement agencies that has assisted in ‘Operation Trial Run’ which has made it a success: Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Towns County Commissioner’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Appalachian Drug Task Force, Hiawassee Police Department, and Clay County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office.”

   

Two arrested in Young Harris for possession of methamphetamine

Arrest Reports, News
Towns County crime

YOUNG HARRIS, GA – Deputies and investigators with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office arrested two suspects on drug charges following a March 12 traffic stop.

Andrew Hogsed

Andrew Hogsed

Deputies stopped a white Ford Astro Van on Highway 17 in Young Harris, GA, on a traffic offense. According to the sheriff’s office, the driver provided the deputies with a false name. Upon further investigation into the traffic stop, the following suspects were arrested and charged with the listed offenses:

Emily Silknitter

Emily Silknitter

Emily Ann Silknitter, 35, of Murphy, NC

  • One count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
    (Possession of Methamphetamine)
  • One count drug Related Objects
  • One count Violation of Tail Light Requirement
  • Two counts Seatbelt Violation (Juvenile)
  • One count Giving False Name to Law Enforcement

 

Andrew Chase Hogsed, 23 ,of Murphy, NC

  • One count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act
    (Possession of Methamphetamine)
  • One count of Drug Related Objects

 

The investigation is active and ongoing. The case will be referred to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Young Harris traffic stop leads to additional methamphetamine arrests

News
Towns County drug arrests

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – As in recent weeks, Towns County Sheriff’s Office has continued their pursuit of drug suspects in the Towns County area. On Friday, June 14, a Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape on State Highway 339 in Young Harris for a traffic violation.  Upon investigation, two suspects were arrested on drug related offenses.

 

Joe William Strain, 49, of Young Harris, was arrested and charged with the following:

  •    One Count Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act

(Possession of Methamphetamine)

  •    One Count Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer

 

Perry Green, 56, of Young Harris was arrested and charged with the following:

  •  Two Counts Violation of Georgia Controlled Substance Act

(Possession of Methamphetamine)

  •  One Count of Improper Tag Display

 

The cases remain active, and under further investigation. Additional drug arrests and charges are likely. The cases will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Feature Image: (L-R) Joe Strain, Perry Green

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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